Dennis Innes

With a decade of experience as the Dean of the School of Hospitality, Food Studies, and Applied Business at VCC, Dennis has been a pivotal figure in advancing hospitality education and workforce development. Holding a Master’s degree in Adult Education with a specialization in transformational learning theory, Dennis is dedicated to fostering innovative and impactful learning experiences.

Dennis is an active leader in the tourism industry, serving on the board of the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia (TIABC) and as President of the board for Skills Canada British Columbia (STBC). Additionally, he represents British Columbia on the Skills Canada board, contributing to the development of skilled professionals across the country, is a member of the Culinary Industry Advisory Board for Destination Vancouver and has supported Destination Vancouver’s Michelin Guide Ceremonies.

In collaboration with the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (WSHA), Dennis has signed an agreement to further enhance industry sustainability standards and opportunities. As a member of the working group for Tourism HR Canada’s Propel initiative, Dennis is committed to addressing the evolving needs of the tourism and hospitality workforce.

Under Dennis’s leadership, VCC has introduced a Post-Degree Diploma in Hospitality Management, as well as diplomas in Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts. He also led the relaunch of the Hospitality Management degree and the Executive Cohort degree ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to excel in the industry.

Currently, Dennis is overseeing significant facility renovations at VCC to provide state-of-the-art learning environments. 

Heather MacDonald

As Chief Integrative Officer at Gibbons Whistler, I help bring our company’s vision to life, guiding the Senior Leadership Team within a business deeply embedded in Whistler’s community.

Our focus is on creating memorable experiences across a diverse range of tourism-focused ventures. While Gibbons Whistler began in hospitality (F&B), our portfolio now includes a hotel, an outdoor adventure business, a spa, and a festivals & events division that hosts two major annual festivals in Whistler.

My career foundation is in finance, with over a decade of financial and management experience prior to joining Gibbons. After managing Black's restaurant at the base of Whistler Mountain during the 2010 Olympics, I gained extensive experience in full-cycle accounting and financial administration for several hospitality and community-based businesses. I joined Gibbons Whistler as an Accountant and was later promoted to Director of Finance, where I refined my skills in financial management, accountability, and strategic planning. Today, I apply this expertise in my executive role overseeing Gibbons' expanding ventures.

In addition to my professional work, I volunteer as Treasurer for my community’s elementary school Parent Advisory Council (PAC). In this role, I manage finances, prepare budgets, and apply for government grants to support school initiatives. I am passionate about contributing to Whistler’s growth as a premier destination. With a collaborative mindset, financial acumen, and dedication to community-driven progress, I am committed to helping Whistler’s businesses and economy thrive.

Sandra van Steijn

Sandra van Steijn was appointed to the TIABC Board in April, 2022 and is extremely excited to contribute her diverse experience to the next chapter of the organization. She holds the position of Chair, Finance Committee and also serves on the DEIR committee. Sandra has held the role of CEO, St. Eugene Golf and Casino Resort since 2021 following her prior position of General Manager of the casino, the golf course and RV Park.

Sandra's portfolio also includes her work with Gateway Casinos where she was involved with the start-up of Starlight Casino in New Westminster, and Grand Villa Casino in Burnaby. Her strengths, industry insight and leadership are just a few of the many qualities she brings to the organization.

Gerardo Corro

Gerardo Corro is a destination developer and tourism entrepreneur with over 16 years of international experience. As the Executive Director of Tourism New Westminster, he has led initiatives that connect the community and visitors through meaningful experiences. His collaborative approach has strengthened partnerships with DMOs and other organizations across Metro Vancouver and BC.

Gerardo serves on the BCDMOA board and ACEDAC for the City of New Westminster, advising on economic and tourism initiatives. Internationally, he co-founded Rotamundos, a UNWTO-awarded hospitality start-up, and has chaired the board of GESTUR Consultancy.

In 2024, under his leadership, Tourism New Westminster won the Innovation Award at the BC Tourism Industry Awards for the #SearchForPhillip campaign, a creative initiative that engaged the community and spotlighted New West. His master’s degrees in Government and Public Policy and Tourism Destination Management, alongside certifications in Sustainable Tourism and Indigenous Awareness, underscore his commitment to responsible tourism.

Mike Retasket

From sleeping in a bed dug from Peruvian sand to educating along the plank sidewalks of Barkerville, Mike Retasket’s long and diverse commitment to learning and sharing complex Indigenous history is unparalleled. As a current TIABC Board member, he also serves as Chair of the Membership & Communications Committee.

A renowned Traditional Dancer, drummer, singer, political leader, negotiator, cultural interpreter and traditional Secwepemc knowledge keeper and pipe carrier, Mike's experiences combine for invaluable insight on boards ranging from the First Nations Leadership Council to the Fraser Basin Council, First Nations Forestry Council, Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, Orange Shirt Society, New Pathways to Gold Society, and the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association.

Wisdom earned through 10 years as Chief of the Bonaparte Indian Band helped him negotiate important government agreements, acting as a signatory on the Transformative Change Accord, Public Safety Accord and the Leadership Accord.

The youngest of 11 children, Mike was identified at an early age as a talented drummer and singer. This integration into traditional Indigenous customs opened the door to a lifetime of diverse activism, leading to his current job of educating tourists about the regions rich Indigenous history in BC's Barkerville Historic Town and Park.

His activism had him, for nine years, being a Canadian delegate for the Urban Rural Mission and group sponsored by the World Council of Churches and working on Social Justice issues internationally. Mike Retasket has now devoted his adult life to healing by teaching us to take care of our environment, our ancestors, our culture, and each other. Mike has recently been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of the Fraser Valley. 

Jikke Gyorki

Jikke is honoured to be running as a candidate for the TIABC Board of Directors. She has been the Executive Officer at Tourism Fernie Society since 2010 and has worked in the tourism and hospitality sector in Canada for 30 years, 20 years specifically in BC (including North Vancouver). She holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management from Toronto Metropolitan University.

Jikke believes she would be an excellent addition to the TIABC board because of her lengthy experience in the industry including front-line positions in her younger years in large centre hotels and restaurants, BC ski resorts and attractions, to management and executive positions in the ski resort sector, adventure tourism sector, tourism marketing agency, within non-profit industry development and advocacy, and for the last 14 years running and successfully growing a community DMO.

"It would also be an excellent addition due to my reputation in the industry, my passion and dedication, my strong and professional communication and advocacy roles and efforts, my willingness to drive positive change and the importance of many key topics such as the MRDT, transportation, the value of tourism, reducing red tape and industry sustainability."

Carly Pereboom

Carly Pereboom, Executive Director at Tourism Nanaimo, brings over 20 years of comprehensive experience in the tourism and hospitality industry across both rural and urban landscapes. Her career spans front-line roles to executive leadership in private, non-profit, and government sectors. Prior to her current role, Carly served as the Executive Director at Destination Campbell River, has freelanced as a strategist and has worked with rural regional Districts. 

Carly’s expertise is enhanced by her past participation in key committees focused on economic impact and strategic sector development, such as the Strategic Sectors Study for the Mount Waddington Regional District, and advisory roles with BC Ferries and airport development. Her more recent involvement in workforce development initiatives and tourism advisory committees further reflect her well-rounded industry insight.

With a Bachelor of Business Administration in General Management and a proven track record in destination strategy, market communication, and operational management, Carly's diverse background would be an asset to the TIABC board, bringing a unique perspective shaped by both rural and urban tourism dynamics.

Meghan Tabor

Meghan is an experienced leader in marketing and destination management, with over a decade dedicated to advancing tourism and community development. As the Executive Director at Tourism Revelstoke, Meghan leads strategic initiatives and builds impactful partnerships to strengthen tourism’s role in community enhancement.

In addition, she shares her industry expertise as a part-time business professor at Okanagan College, teaching courses in tourism and destination management. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the beauty of the province through skiing, snowmobiling, and mountain biking.

Erin Cassels

Erin Cassels has been the General Manager of the Huntingdon Hotel and Suites and Pendray Inn and Tea House property in Victoria since 2014.

The Huntingdon Hotel and Suites is a Four Green Key,

Biosphere-certified hotel with a strong focus on sustainability and community involvement. The company has earned numerous awards and accolades for its sustainable business practices, reconciliation efforts, and is the first in Canada to receive the prestigious Pledge 2023 certificate for food waste reduction.

Erin has a certificate in First Nation’s Cultural Studies from Camosun College, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences from the University of Victoria, and a Masters in Hospitality Management through Cornell University. Erin grew up in the hospitality business on Vancouver Island and is also the co-Chair

of the Hotel Association of Greater Victoria Sustainability Committee, an active member of multiple tourism-related boards and committees, and is a Director at Large for the British Columbia Hotel Association. Erin is a member of the Kebaowek Algonquin Nation.